Selecting the right hardware for your cabinetry can make all the difference when it comes to achieving a particular look. Pinnacle owner, Rachel Raab, shares her advice when it comes to picking out cabinet pulls. The right hardware for cabinet design can completely change the look of your space. It may seem like a small detail, but cabinet pulls and knobs do a lot of visual work. At Pinnacle Remodel, we often remind homeowners that cabinetry hardware is one of the easiest ways to push a kitchen or bath toward a more modern, clean, or timeless style. Our founder has always believed great design lives in the details, and this is one of those details that matters more than people expect. If your cabinets feel close to the look you want but not quite there, your hardware for cabinet doors and drawers may be the missing piece. Why hardware matters so much Cabinetry usually takes up a lot of visual space in a room. Because of that, the finish and shape of your hardware help set the tone immediately. The right pull can make wood cabinetry feel fresh and current. The wrong one can accidentally pull the whole room backward. This is especially important with lighter wood tones, which are very popular right now. We love the warmth and natural character they bring, but wood can be tricky. Many homeowners want the beauty of oak or white oak without drifting into a dated 1990s look. Choosing the right hardware for cabinet surfaces is one of the best ways to keep that wood feeling updated. What works with light wood cabinetry In our office, we have beautiful white oak cabinetry paired with handmade green tile. In that setting, brushed gold pulls were the right choice. They support the overall design without stealing attention from the tile. Instead of creating hard contrast, the brushed gold blends more softly with the wood tone and lets the backsplash stay front and center. That is a helpful rule of thumb when selecting hardware for cabinet design: Use brushed gold when you want a softer, more blended look. Use black when you want a stronger contrast and a more modern statement. If the backsplash or surrounding finishes are more neutral, black hardware can be a great option. It stands out clearly against lighter wood and gives cabinetry a crisp, current feel. What to avoid if you want a fresh look When working with light wood cabinets, we generally recommend steering away from hardware with a bronzy appearance. That combination can start to feel more dated, especially if the goal is a cleaner and more modern finish. This does not mean every warm metal is off the table. It simply means the undertone matters. A brushed gold can feel intentional and fresh. A bronze tone can sometimes push the design into an older style much faster than homeowners realize. Choosing the right shape Finish is only part of the decision. The shape of your hardware for cabinet doors and drawers also affects the overall style. Linear pulls for a modern look If you prefer a sleek and updated design, linear pulls are a strong option. Their straight lines help cabinetry feel streamlined and simple, which works especially well in kitchens or baths aiming for a modern aesthetic. Curved pulls for a more traditional feel If your style leans more classic, a pull with softer curves or a bit more detail can be a better fit. These shapes bring in a more traditional look without requiring a full traditional kitchen. Top-edge pulls for a minimal finish One of the more interesting options is a pull that sits on top of the drawer or door. From a distance, you mostly notice a slim black line. This style keeps cabinetry looking very clean and modern while minimizing visual clutter. How to narrow down the options There are a lot of choices, and hardware for cabinet selection can feel overwhelming quickly. Finish, shape, scale, and contrast all affect the final result. That is why working with a designer can be so helpful. At Pinnacle Remodel, we help narrow the field based on the look you are trying to achieve. Sometimes the best choice is the one that blends in quietly. Other times, the right move is a pull that stands out and adds definition. The key is making sure the hardware supports the full design rather than competing with it. A small detail with a big impact Cabinet pulls may be small, but they have the power to shift the entire feel of a room. If you are using light wood tones, pay close attention to contrast, finish, and profile. A brushed gold can soften the look. Black can modernize it. A bronzy tone can age it. Straight lines feel cleaner, while curved details feel more traditional. That is the beauty of thoughtful hardware for cabinet design. It is practical, visual, and surprisingly transformative all at once. At Pinnacle Remodel, we love helping homeowners make these choices with confidence because great design is often built one detail at a time. Let’s discuss your project.

There are a seemingly endless amount of tile options on the market, which is nice, but can also be a bit overwhelming. In this video, Pinnacle owners Christian and Rachel Raab show us a few of their favorite options and what they love about them. Choosing tile options can feel overwhelming fast. There are thousands of styles, finishes, patterns, and layouts on the market, which is exciting, but it can also make it hard to know where to begin. At Pinnacle Remodel, we often guide homeowners back to one simple principle: start with what lasts. For us, that usually means neutral tile options. Our founder and our team love the way soft, understated tones make a space feel open, airy, and light. Neutral tile options also give you flexibility. Trends in decor, paint, and accessories come and go, but a well-chosen neutral tile can stay beautiful for years. Why we lean toward neutral tile options Many of us have seen bold design choices from past decades that did not age quite as gracefully as hoped. A hot pink bathroom with black trim may have had its moment, but most homeowners today want something calmer and more enduring. That is why we often recommend neutral tile options for bathrooms, laundry rooms, mud rooms, and showers. They create a peaceful backdrop and make it easier to refresh the room later with towels, paint, hardware, or decor instead of replacing the tile itself. Zellige tile: handcrafted character in a soft palette One of our favorite tile options right now is zellige tile. This style has a beautiful, handcrafted Moroccan look, and it brings a lot of personality without overwhelming the room. What makes it special? Each tile has a slight color variation The pieces fit closely together for a minimal grout-line look It adds texture and depth while staying neutral We also love that there are now more budget-friendly tile options that capture a similar handmade appearance. Whether you choose the true handmade version or a more affordable lookalike, zellige-inspired tile can add warmth and movement to a bathroom or backsplash. Patterned tile in taupe and white Pattern does not have to mean loud. Some of the most elegant tile options are patterned tiles in soft, neutral tones like taupe and white. This style has been popular for a reason. It creates visual interest while still feeling tranquil and refined. We especially love this look for: Bathroom floors Accent walls Shower feature areas Laundry rooms and mud rooms Used with simple white tile around it, a patterned neutral tile can become a focal point that feels peaceful rather than busy. Picket tiles for a fresh, current look Another one of our favorite tile options is the picket tile. This shape feels current and clean, and it works beautifully in both glossy and matte finishes. One of the best things about picket tile is its flexibility. It can be installed vertically or horizontally, and that small design decision changes the whole feel of the room. Add in subtle color variation, and you get a surface that feels custom and interesting without stepping outside a neutral palette. Subway tile has come a long way When many people hear “subway tile,” they picture one basic option. In reality, today’s subway tile options are much broader than the classic white rectangle. Some of our favorite updated subway tile options include: Handcrafted looks Glossy finishes Tiles with subtle variation from piece to piece Styles with different patterns across individual tiles Even with a simple shape, there are plenty of ways to add character. Layout matters as much as the tile itself One of the easiest ways to make standard tile options feel more special is through installation pattern. Subway tile, in particular, can be laid in several ways: Straight stack Offset or running bond Herringbone A herringbone layout adds a lot of interest, while a straight layout can feel clean and modern. The same tile can look completely different depending on how it is installed. How we think about choosing tile options At Pinnacle Remodel, our approach is simple. We look for tile options that feel timeless first, then layer in texture, shape, pattern, and layout to make the space feel personal. The right tile does more than cover a surface. It shapes the entire mood of a room. Neutral tile options are not boring when they are chosen well. They can be layered, textured, patterned, glossy, matte, handmade-looking, or geometric, all while staying timeless. That is why we continue coming back to them. Beautiful design does not always need to shout. Often, the best tile options are the ones that make a home feel peaceful, polished, and easy to live in for years to come.

In this series, we'll be exploring different interior design styles and sharing some of the key components of each. In the first video of this series, we explore the Modern Farmhouse style. At Pinnacle Remodel, helping homeowners define their style is one of the most important parts of the design process. Many people know what they like when they see it, but putting a name to it can feel much harder. Traditional, transitional, modern, contemporary, farmhouse. There are a lot of directions a remodel can go, and that is exactly why we start by narrowing the look before selections begin. Our founder and our design team often hear the same question: How do I know what style I am? The answer usually starts with inspiration. Before we meet with a client, we send a survey tailored to the project, whether it is a kitchen, bathroom, or whole-home remodel. That survey includes a slideshow of some of the most common interior design styles, giving us a practical starting point. Often, the right answer is not just one style. A homeowner may be drawn to a mix of looks, and that is completely normal. The goal is not to force everything into a single box. It is to identify the details, finishes, and materials that create a cohesive result. What Defines Modern Farmhouse Style? One of our favorite looks to work with is modern farmhouse. It remains popular because it feels clean, warm, and approachable without looking overly rustic or overly sleek. When we think of modern farmhouse, three key elements stand out: Simple lines Light wood tones Black and white contrast Those three characteristics guide nearly every finish selection, from flooring and cabinetry to tile and plumbing fixtures. Start with the Flooring For modern farmhouse interiors, flooring is often the foundation. We like to begin there because wood tone influences so many other selections in the room. The biggest challenge is making sure the wood finishes coordinate instead of competing with each other. In this style, light wood tones tend to work best. We look for flooring with a soft, natural appearance and a bit of variation, which makes it easier to pair with cabinetry and other wood accents. One thing we generally avoid for this look is yellow oak, since it can feel dated and clash with the cleaner palette that modern farmhouses rely on. Backsplash and Tile Direction Subway tile is still very much part of the conversation, but modern farmhouse has evolved. We are seeing more textured tile options, which add depth while keeping the palette simple. That texture helps create interest without overpowering the space. Black and white are especially important here. Whether through the backsplash, accents, or pattern, this contrast reinforces the crisp and grounded feel that defines the style. Countertops That Fit the Look Countertops are another place where black and white can shape the overall design. Two common directions work especially well: White base with black veining, which pairs beautifully with light wood oak tones Black base with white veining, which works especially well when paired with white cabinets Both options stay true to the modern farmhouse palette while giving the room a polished, updated finish. Cabinet Door Styles and Hardware Finishes For cabinetry, we continue to see strong demand for shaker-style doors. Their straight, simple lines are a natural fit for modern farmhouse design. They feel classic without being ornate, which is exactly what this style calls for. When it comes to fixtures, matte black is a go-to choice and fits the look effortlessly. At the same time, we also love bringing in gold for plumbing fixtures or accents. That extra warmth can add character and keep the room from feeling too stark. Finding Your Style Starts with the Right Details Style is about discovering the materials, colors, and combinations that feel right for your home. Modern farmhouse works so well because it balances warmth with simplicity, and timeless elements with fresh, current finishes. If you are not sure where to begin, that is okay. Our process is designed to help uncover your preferences and turn them into a cohesive design plan that feels intentional from the floor up. Reach out today.

Pinnacle owners, Christian and Rachel Raab, explain the difference between two flooring options: engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl plank (LVP), and what to consider when deciding between them. At Pinnacle Remodel, we often find that homeowners know they like the look of wood floors, but are not always sure which product fits their space best. Two of the most common choices are engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl plank flooring. Both are excellent options. The right one depends on how you want the floor to look, feel, and perform in your home. What engineered hardwood is Engineered hardwood is a real wood product made from multiple layers. The lower layers are built from less expensive wood or plywood, while the top layer, often around one-eighth of an inch, is genuine hardwood. That real wood surface gives engineered flooring the natural beauty, variation, and texture many homeowners love. It is typically installed by being stapled, nailed, or glued to the subfloor. Because of that, it has a more fixed installation compared to floating floor products. What luxury vinyl plank is Luxury vinyl plank, or LVP, is different in both material and installation. It is a floating floor, which means it locks together and rests on top of the subfloor rather than being nailed down. It is designed to move slightly with the surface beneath it. LVP is made to mimic the look of wood, and many options do a very good job of creating that appearance. It can be a practical and attractive choice, especially in spaces where durability and moisture resistance matter most. The biggest difference: appearance vs. water resistance If your priority is the authentic look and feel of hardwood, engineered hardwood has a clear advantage. Our founder often points to examples like white oak with a wire-brushed finish, which offers a beautiful texture and the warmth of a real wood product. That said, engineered hardwood is not water-resistant in the same way LVP is. Moisture is where luxury vinyl plank stands out. LVP is the better fit when there is a higher chance of spills, splashing, or damp conditions. Where LVP makes the most sense At Pinnacle Remodel, we often recommend luxury vinyl plank in rooms where moisture could become an issue, including: Basements, where dampness may be a concern Bathrooms, where water from tubs or sinks may splash onto the floor Any area where you want added peace of mind regarding moisture This water-resistant performance is one of the main reasons LVP continues to be a popular flooring option. One thing to watch for with LVP Not all luxury vinyl plank products look the same. Higher-quality products tend to have more realistic variation, while lower-end LVP can sometimes show repeating patterns. When that happens, it may be easier to tell that the material is not real wood. That does not mean LVP is a poor choice. It simply means product selection matters, especially if your goal is a more natural wood look. How we help clients choose When we guide clients through flooring selections, we usually come back to a few simple questions: Do you want the texture and character of real hardwood? Will the space be exposed to moisture? Is appearance the top priority, or is water resistance more important? Both engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl plank flooring can work beautifully in the right setting. Engineered hardwood offers the beauty of real wood. LVP offers flexibility and moisture resistance. The best choice is the one that fits how the room will actually be used. Choosing the right floor for your home There are a lot of options when it comes to engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl plank, and the details make a difference. At Pinnacle Remodel, we believe good design choices come from understanding how a product performs, not just how it looks in a sample. If you are weighing wood floor options for a remodel, our team is always happy to help you compare materials and choose the flooring that makes the most sense for your home.

Our clients wanted to remodel their kitchen to utilize the space better while maintaining the original character of their 1900's farmhouse. We redesigned the layout by adding customized cabinetry, updated the finishes, and preserved the original woodwork to maintain the space's authentic style. That goal captures exactly what thoughtful remodeling should be. At Pinnacle Remodel, we believe a renovation should do more than make a room look new. It should make the home work better, feel better, and continue telling the story it has always told. In a historic farmhouse kitchen, that matters even more. This project was about honoring the integrity of a home our clients have loved for decades while solving the very real day-to-day frustrations of an outdated layout. The result was not an addition or a dramatic expansion of square footage. It was something more meaningful: a smarter, better-functioning kitchen built within the same footprint, with the character of the original home still intact. A Kitchen That Worked, But Not Well Enough When our clients moved into their home in October of 2000, they were proud of it. Like many homeowners in older houses, they saw its charm immediately. But they also recognized that some spaces, especially the kitchen, needed improvement. The kitchen could function, but it did not function efficiently. The layout created unnecessary friction in everyday use. One detail summed it up perfectly: the dishwasher door had to be opened to access a drawer next to the sink. That kind of overlap may seem small on paper, but in real life, it creates a cramped, awkward environment. The room felt claustrophobic, and only one person could comfortably work in the kitchen at a time. For a space that should support daily life, gathering, cooking, and movement, that was a major limitation. The design process of this one had effectively been taking shape for 23 years. The homeowners had a clear understanding of what was not working, and when the timing was right, they were ready to invest in a solution that respected the home and improved how they lived in it. The Design Process: Listening First Every successful remodel starts with understanding how the homeowners live in their space. In this case, the communication process began with an initial walkthrough led by Christian to understand the family’s needs and priorities. From there, the design phase became collaborative. Our designer met with the homeowners several times, helping shape a kitchen that would solve practical problems without stripping away the farmhouse identity that made the home special. That balance is at the heart of a good historic kitchen remodel. It is not enough to modernize. The space must still feel like it belongs to the house. For this project, the key design priorities were clear: Improve the layout so the kitchen works more efficiently Create usable space for more than one person to work comfortably Add customized cabinetry tailored to the homeowners’ needs Update finishes while staying true to the home’s style Preserve original woodwork and architectural character Remodeling Without Losing the Soul of the House One of the most meaningful parts of this 1900's farmhouse kitchen remodel was preserving the home’s original details. Older homes often contain millwork and trim profiles that are difficult to match. Replacing them carelessly can erase the very personality that makes the home unique. In this kitchen, the trim around the windows was distinctive from the house. Rather than approximating it with something close, one of our carpenters custom-cut the woodwork by hand to match what already existed. That level of effort may not always be the fastest route, but it is often the right one. At Pinnacle Remodel, we believe preserving authenticity requires more than good intentions. It requires skill. It requires patience. And it requires a team that takes genuine pride in the work. That pride showed up throughout the project, from the craftsmanship itself to the way the jobsite was handled each day. Our clients noticed the professionalism, the cleanliness, the friendliness of the crew, and the care each person brought to the work. Those details matter because they shape the remodeling experience just as much as the finished room does. Better Function in the Same Footprint One of the most satisfying outcomes of this project was that the kitchen became dramatically more usable without adding square footage to the back of the house. That is an important point. Not every transformation requires building outward. Sometimes the most powerful change comes from rethinking what is already there. By redesigning the layout and making better use of the existing footprint, we were able to create a kitchen where both homeowners now have room to work. There is space for one person and space for the other, all within the same overall area. The difference is not size alone. It is the efficiency of the design. This is what thoughtful space planning does best. It turns wasted movement, blocked access, and cramped circulation into a kitchen that feels open, capable, and comfortable. We are interested in building trust, solving problems well, and creating spaces that truly feel like home. A Kitchen Remodel That Feels Right for the Home The best kitchen remodels do not just deliver updated surfaces or new cabinetry. They improve daily life while respecting what made the home worth loving in the first place. In this 1900's farmhouse, the transformation came from better design, customized cabinetry, updated finishes, preserved woodwork, and a deep respect for the original architecture. The kitchen now functions for the way our clients live today, while still feeling true to the house they moved into years ago. That is the kind of remodeling we believe in at Pinnacle Remodel. Honest work. Hardworking people. Thoughtful design. And finished spaces that feel as though they were always meant to be there.

Christian and Rachel share the story of Pinnacle, from its start in 2012, to where it is today. Every company has a beginning, and ours did not start with a polished office, a large team, or a long list of resources. Pinnacle Remodel began in 2012 with a big leap of faith, a lot of hard work, and a willingness to do whatever it took to build something meaningful from the ground up. Today, we are proud to be a trusted name in remodeling, built on craftsmanship, integrity, and a commitment to creating spaces that truly feel like home. But the road to get here was anything but glamorous. It was personal, messy, stretching, and full of moments that shaped who we are. Starting Pinnacle Remodel in 2012 When our founder, Christian Raab launched Pinnacle Remodel, the timing could not have looked less “safe” on paper. He made the decision for both he and Rachel to leave their full-time jobs and start their own venture while Rachel was seven months pregnant with their first child. That season required a tremendous amount of courage. There was no perfect setup waiting on the other side, just the conviction that building something of their own was worth the risk. In those early days, the focus was simple: find work, serve people well, and keep moving forward. Christian took on whatever jobs he could find to build momentum. That included placing Craigslist ads and even offering “painter for a day” services. It was not glamorous work, but it laid the foundation for everything that came later. Building a Business While Building a Family At the same time the business was getting off the ground, Rachel was learning how to navigate life as a new mom. She was also stepping into a role she had never been trained for: bookkeeping. Like many small business owners, we learned by doing. There was no ready-made system and no perfect playbook. Rachel gradually figured things out through trial and error, managing the books while raising a baby and helping support a growing company. That combination of family life and business life is part of our story. Pinnacle Remodel was never built in a vacuum. It was built in the middle of real life, with real responsibilities, real stress, and real determination. When the Office Was at Home In the beginning, our office was in the house. In fact, one of our first office spaces was in the bedroom. That arrangement worked until it really did not. One moment that made it clear a change was needed came when the IT technician had to be invited into the bedroom to help with computer problems. That was enough to show that the setup was not exactly sustainable. From there, the office moved to the basement, which felt like a major upgrade at the time. It gave us a little more separation between home and work, and in a growing business, even small improvements can feel huge. Still, the lines between family and business remained very thin. Phone calls would come into the office, and there were moments when Christian would ask Rachel not to answer if the kids could be heard in the background. We were trying to build something professional while operating in conditions that were anything but polished! A Turning Point: Work at McConnell Air Force Base One of the biggest early milestones for Pinnacle Remodel came when we secured a contract to complete a significant amount of remodeling work at McConnell Air Force Base. This was a major step forward for the company. It meant more consistent work, more opportunities, and the ability to hire additional employees. It also brought a new level of operational complexity. As our team grew, our home began functioning as more than just an office. On Monday mornings at 7:45 a.m., employees would gather in the basement for team meetings before heading out to jobs. While those meetings represented growth, they also made it obvious that our business had outgrown the home-based setup. Rachel would try to stay out of sight with the kids while the team met downstairs. That picture says a lot about the stage we were in. We were growing, but growth was happening in tight quarters, with everyone making sacrifices to keep the business moving. Breaking Ground in 2018 In 2018, we reached another memorable milestone: breaking ground on our new building. That opportunity came in the form of a land auction in Kechi before 2018. We decided to go, not fully knowing what would happen. By the end of the auction, we had purchased a two-acre piece of property. It was a significant moment because it gave us a place to imagine the future of Pinnacle Remodel more clearly. We celebrated with our team on the property, and like many meaningful memories, it was not perfect. It was incredibly windy, and while we tried to grill hamburgers and hot dogs, the fire kept going out. Even so, we marked the occasion together, and it meant a great deal to everyone involved. That groundbreaking ceremony represented more than the beginning. It represented years of effort, sacrifice, and persistence, becoming something visible. Building the Office One Step at a Time The building process itself reflected the same practical, hardworking spirit that had defined Pinnacle Remodel from the start. Christian and the team worked on the new office and shop as their schedule allowed, fitting in progress between client jobs and during any open windows they could create. It was not a process of stopping everything else to build for ourselves. It was a process of continuing to serve clients while steadily investing in the future of the company. Over the course of about a year, the project moved forward little by little. For a growing remodeling company, that progress mattered! Opening the New Building in 2019 By 2019, the new building was ready in time for our company Christmas party. That was a major moment for Pinnacle Remodel. For the first time, we had moved the office out of the house and into a dedicated space of our own. We had more room, better functionality, and a setting that matched the professionalism we had been striving toward for years. In many ways, that was the point where it truly felt like we had become a “real company.” The People Who Made It Possible Our story is not just about jobs, offices, or buildings. It is about people. We are deeply grateful for the employees who have helped Pinnacle Remodel grow over the years. Their work, loyalty, and dedication have been a vital part of building the company we have today. We are equally thankful for the clients who trusted us, especially in the early years. That trust mattered. Every project, every opportunity, and every relationship helped move the company forward. Those early clients gave us the chance to prove ourselves. Our team gave us the strength to grow. Together, they helped shape Pinnacle Remodel into what it is today. What Our Beginning Still Means Today At Pinnacle Remodel, our beginning still influences how we work. We remember what it was like to start small, to wear multiple hats, to solve problems with limited resources, and to keep going through uncertainty. That history reinforces the values we care about most: Craftsmanship in every detail Integrity in how we serve homeowners and partners Gratitude for every client and team member Commitment to building spaces that improve everyday life Our founder’s passion for remodeling and construction has always been rooted in a love for quality work, and that has remained at the center of who we are. From those first small jobs to full-service renovations and custom additions, our mission has stayed consistent: to deliver thoughtful, high-quality remodeling that helps people feel more at home in their homes. From Humble Beginnings to Trusted Remodeling Partner The story of Pinnacle Remodel is a story of starting before everything looked ready. It is a story of working out of a bedroom, then a basement, then finally a building of our own. It is a story of balancing family, business, uncertainty, growth, and long-term vision. Most of all, it is a story of what can happen when people commit to doing good work. That commitment carries through to our work today, evident by how homeowners have trusted us over the years to build their dream living spaces. The same commitment we are now making to you.

By: Christian Raab At a Glance: Designing a Home for Hosting A great hosting home isn’t about perfection—it’s about function Kitchens should be designed for gathering, not just cooking Flow matters more than square footage in most homes Create spaces that encourage conversation, not just seating Indoor-outdoor connection can completely change how you host The small, behind-the-scenes details are what make hosting feel easy Our family loves to host. Whether it’s friends coming over to watch football, kids running through the house, or just a casual night with people we enjoy being around, our home gets used. And over the years, I’ve realized something: Hosting isn’t about having the “perfect” home. It’s about having a home that works. We’ve also been getting more and more calls from homeowners who feel this same tension. They want to host more. They want their home to feel welcoming. But their current layout just doesn’t support it. So the question becomes: What actually matters when designing a home for hosting? 1. The Kitchen Isn’t Just for Cooking When people gather, they end up in the kitchen. Every time. It doesn’t matter how big the living room is - people naturally gravitate toward where the food is, where the action is. So when we design kitchens for hosting, we think beyond appliances and finishes. We think about: Can multiple people be in the kitchen at once without bumping into each other? Is there space for someone to sit and talk while food is being prepared? Is the island positioned to connect with the rest of the home - not turn its back to it? A great hosting kitchen feels open, connected, and easy to move through. 2. Flow Matters More Than Size A lot of people think they need more space to host. Sometimes that’s true. But more often, it’s a flow problem, not a square footage problem. We look at things like: How do people move from the kitchen to the living room? Is there a natural place to gather, or does it feel disconnected? Are there bottlenecks where people get stuck? You don’t need a massive home to host well. You need a layout that makes movement feel natural. 3. Create Spaces to Gather (Not Just Sit) There’s a difference between a room that looks good and a room people actually use. For hosting, we design spaces that invite people in: Seating that faces each other (not just a TV) Enough space to pull in extra chairs without it feeling cramped A place to set drinks or food within reach And yes, if your family is like mine and enjoys watching football, the TV matters. But it shouldn’t dominate the space so much that conversation disappears. The best hosting spaces balance both. 4. Indoor-Outdoor Connection is a Game Changer Some of the best hosting moments happen when people can move freely between inside and outside. If you have the opportunity, this is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make: Covered decks Large sliding or folding doors Outdoor seating areas that feel intentional It creates breathing room and gives people options without feeling separated. 5. Think About the “Behind the Scenes” Good hosting isn’t just what people see - it’s what they don’t see. Things like: Where do coats go when guests arrive? Where does clutter get hidden quickly? Is there a nearby bathroom that’s easy to access? Small details like this make hosting feel effortless instead of stressful. 6. Make It Comfortable, Not Complicated At the end of the day, people aren’t coming over to admire your finishes (though I love great finishes). They’re coming to spend time with you. The homes that host best aren’t necessarily the fanciest; they’re the ones that feel: Comfortable Welcoming Easy to live in That’s what we aim for in every project. For us, hosting isn’t a special occasion; it’s part of how we live. It’s watching football and playing games. It’s kids in and out of the house. It’s conversations around the kitchen that last longer than planned. And when your home is designed to support that, everything just feels easier.

Thinking about remodeling your home but not sure where to start? You're not alone. Most homeowners know they're ready for a change but they just don't know what steps to take first. We put together this checklist to walk you through everything you need to think through before breaking ground. Work through each section, and you'll be in a much stronger position to plan with confidence, stay on budget, and avoid costly surprises. Want the full version with deeper detail on each step? Download our free Ultimate Home Remodel Checklist PDF here . 1. Create a Wish List Start by dreaming big, you can always scale back later. It's easier to trim a detailed vision than to build on a vague one. Identify the biggest problem with your existing room or space. What's the number one reason you're remodeling? Ask yourself how you want to use the space — not just now, but five to ten years from now. Write down every feature you'd love to have. Leave no idea unexplored. Once your list is complete, prioritize it into three tiers: Your single must-have for the project Your top three items that would make you happiest at the end The nice-to-haves you could live without if the budget doesn't allow 2. Establish Your Budget Many homeowners underestimate what their project will cost. Being realistic early saves a lot of frustration later. Identify what's driving your budget. Key factors include: size and scope of the project, materials, appliances, plumbing and electrical work, structural changes, and the age and condition of your home . Get a realistic number in mind before approaching any contractor. Build in a buffer for unexpected costs — estimates are estimates for a reason, and surprises do come up. 3. Find the Right Contractor Not every contractor is the right fit. Look for someone whose capabilities, communication style, and costs align with your project and personality. Research several local contractors. Review their scope of services, past work, and how they manage projects and timelines. Ask for referrals from trusted friends, neighbors, or family members. Interview multiple contractors. Key questions to ask: Are you licensed and insured? How many similar projects have you completed? How many projects do you manage at once? What is your job site cleanliness policy? Compare bids carefully. Make sure each covers the exact same scope of work. Be cautious of estimates that seem unusually low — they often signal shortcuts in materials or craftsmanship. Download the full checklist for the complete list of contractor interview questions. 4. Create Your Timeline A remodel takes longer than most homeowners expect. Plan for the full process, not just construction time. Factor in time for hiring, planning, permit acquisition, and material ordering — not just active build time. Understand that high-quality contractors are often booked weeks or months in advance. Align the project timeline with your household schedule and any hard deadlines you may have. 5. Plan for the Logistical Considerations It’s easy to get caught off guard by day-to-day disruptions during a remodel. So take some time to think through these before work begins: What hours and days will the crew be working in your home? Does your neighborhood have noise restriction windows? How will the project affect your kids' routines or your pets? For large-scale renovations, consider planning time away from home during the most intensive phases of work. A well-planned remodel is a smoother, more enjoyable one. This post gives you a solid starting point — but the full checklist goes deeper on each step, including what to look for when comparing contractor bids, how to structure your wish list, and what logistical questions most homeowners forget to ask. Free Download: The Ultimate Home Remodel Checklist.

Many of our Wichita remodeling clients in the area complain about their small, outdated kitchens. Today the trend is open concept—the kitchen and living area open to each other—so that you can enjoy your family or friends as you prepare things in the kitchen. Entertaining is very important for many people and small, cramped kitchens make that priority difficult, if not impossible. Our clients in Wichita’s neighboring Haysville, KS were frustrated by the cramped space in their existing kitchen. They wanted a kitchen remodeling project to use an open concept design. The existing golden oak cabinetry and compartmentalized rooms were outdated and they wanted a new look. We worked with a local designer who designed the space and finalized the selections. The first thing we did was remove the cabinetry and demolish the wall that separated the dining room and kitchen. This immediately gave the space a much more open feel. The photo pictured below is an angle from the living room looking into the kitchen showing how much bigger the space looks! These next few pictures show a very large island in the center of the room. The client previously had a table just off the kitchen where they would eat less formal meals. We removed that table and made room for this island that serves many purposes – storage from both sides of the island, eating spot, food prep space, and location for the cooktop. The next two pictures show a wall oven with a microwave on top of the oven. It is a great idea to put the microwave in a cabinet to clear space on the countertop. We were also able to give them prep space on the right side of the oven and microwave. The picture below shows the huge amount of space on the sink side of the kitchen. As you can see, redesigning this kitchen created much more usable storage and work prep space than the previous kitchen. This picture shows another project we tackled while we remodeled the kitchen. We removed the “half wall” on the sides of the stairwell and installed new newel posts and wrought iron balusters. This continued to help with the open concept feel our client was trying to achieve. These pictures show the updated flooring as well. We removed the existing flooring, installed a new underlayment and installed a groutable Luxury Vinyl Tile. This tile looks just a ceramic or porcelain tile that we’re used to seeing in Wichita, KS, but the labor cost to install is less than traditional ceramic tile, it is softer and warmer on your feet. We applied a specialty grout in between the tiles to finish the authentic look. Click here to see some of the other kitchens we’ve completed!

Waterproofing a shower can be expensive, and it’s tempting to cut corners by skipping it altogether—installing tile directly onto the walls and assuming that will be enough. Unfortunately, that assumption can lead to costly damage down the road. I’ve had this conversation with many clients, and time and time again, I’ve seen the consequences of inadequate waterproofing. Just recently, while working on a primary bathroom addition outside of Wichita, we uncovered a shower that was only a year old, yet already leaking. The water damage had begun rotting the framing members of the house. At first glance, the shower looked fine. But when we opened up the back side, we saw the real problem. (See the photos above.) In one image, you’ll notice a white square—that’s the back of a shampoo niche. On the bathroom side, everything appeared perfect, but behind the walls, water had been seeping through, causing hidden but serious damage. Now, imagine what that leak would do over 10 years! How We Prevent Shower Leaks at Pinnacle We take extra precautions to ensure our showers never leak, using Schluter Waterproofing Systems. This advanced system creates a completely waterproof barrier, preventing moisture from ever reaching the framing of your home. Unfortunately, many showers we remove in Wichita were not waterproofed correctly. Early in my career, I was taught to install HardieBacker board and tile directly over it—an approach that seemed solid at the time. However, after years of tearing out failed showers built this way, we’ve seen firsthand that this method doesn’t stand the test of time. I first learned about Schluter products in college, and we’ve been using them for years with great success. We’ve never had an issue with leaks since switching to this system. This experience reinforced one of our core values at Pinnacle: Continuous Improvement. We’re always looking for ways to refine our processes and deliver the highest-quality work for our clients. If you’re considering a shower remodel, make sure your contractor prioritizes waterproofing—it’s the difference between a stunning, long-lasting shower and costly damage down the road.

As with many of our Wichita clients seeking a bathroom remodel, these homeowners wanted a larger shower and more vanity space. The primary goal of the project was to incorporate a dry vanity with a seating area while maximizing the available space. However, space was limited, requiring a strategic approach to achieve their vision. BEFORE The existing whirlpool tub was rarely used, so the first step in the remodel was its removal, along with all associated tile. This allowed us to install a built-in dry vanity with additional storage, fulfilling our client's top request. To enhance the cabinetry, we opted for a stained maple espresso finish. Since our client was not satisfied with the color of their existing vanities, we painted them and updated the hardware to refresh their appearance and tie them in with the new cabinetry. BEFORE Existing Cabinets, Painted Shower Expansion Another key request was to enlarge the shower. We were able to achieve this within the existing footprint by constructing a larger shower enclosure. BEFORE To improve functionality and maintain a clean aesthetic, we incorporated two built-in shampoo and soap niches, keeping shower essentials neatly tucked away. New Walk-In Shower Custom Shower Niche Custom Features Shower Installed a custom Onyx shower base for durability and style. Selected sleek rectified tile with fine vertical lines for a modern touch. Upgraded to brushed nickel fixtures and coordinating tile trim. Utilized the Schluter waterproofing system to ensure a long-lasting, leak-proof shower. Installed heavy-duty frameless shower glass for a clean, contemporary look. Water Closet Storage is often a concern in Wichita bathrooms, so we custom-built a cabinet above the toilet to provide additional storage space. New Cabinetry in water closet To enhance the design, we installed 24” x 24” tiles on the walls, adding a sophisticated touch. Additional Upgrades Painted the existing cabinetry and retained the vanity tops and faucets to manage costs while achieving a high-end finish. Installed a new Quartz countertop for the dry vanity, featuring a sleek, concrete-like aesthetic. Choose luxury vinyl tile flooring, which mimics ceramic tile but offers a warmer feel underfoot. Updated trim work in both the bathroom and master bedroom, opting for a clean, contemporary 1x4 baseboard. Added a stylish floor-length mirror adjacent to the dry vanity to complete the space. For more photos of remodels in the Wichita area, visit our complete bathroom remodeling portfolio!

Are You Ready For a Kitchen Remodel? Are you embarrassed of your kitchen? Do you love to host friends and family but avoid doing so because you don’t want them to see your kitchen? Are you considering transforming your kitchen into a space that reflects your style and meets your needs? Renovating your kitchen can breathe new life into your home and enhance its functionality, but it's essential to understand what is involved in planning effectively. There are many questions that you may have; how long will it take? What should I do in my kitchen? How much will it cost? These are great questions, but unfortunately hard to answer. We will do our best to answer the question of how much it will cost to remodel your kitchen, but it will take some explaining before we get to the answers. Setting the Stage Let me first outline some parameters for our project. The cost ranges that we're providing are for a kitchen that meets the following criteria: This kitchen is in a single-family home in Wichita, KS or surrounding communities and is built around 1990. This is a medium sized kitchen. Professional designers will design and develop the kitchen. Good quality, name brand materials will be used in this kitchen. The project will be built according to local building codes. The work will be performed by a professional firm that is licensed and insured. Are you ready to go? How Much Does it Cost to Remodel a Kitchen? These cost ranges are intended to provide a general idea of what you can expect to invest in your kitchen remodel, but keep in mind that every project is unique. Also, please note that these costs do not include the costs of new appliances. You can spend $5,000 on new appliances, or you can splurge and spend much more on a new appliance package. Let's Get Started! Developing a budget for a kitchen remodeling project can be tricky, and while this guide is helpful, the most effective way to determine the cost of a new kitchen is to arrange an initial consultation with an experienced design-remodeling company. If you are ready to start a successful project, our team is ready to help. We would be excited to collaborate with you in turning your Wichita Kitchen Remodel into the kitchen of your dreams. Reach out to us today!